Buzz
Interested in learning how to convey 'shut up!' in Italian? There are various phrases for it, some more polite than others.
Steps
Giving the Command to Be Quiet
Instruct a man to be quiet in Italian. Say 'Stai zitto!' Pronounced STY-dzee-toh. Place emphasis on the initial syllable.
- Some may find this directive rude as it's an order.
- It's an informal mode of address, hence inappropriate for, say, addressing a teacher. It's a direct command.
Instruct a woman to be quiet.
This version is 'Stai zitta!' Pronounced STY-dzee-tah.
- Place emphasis on the first syllable.
- Use this term for addressing a single person, not several people.
Utilize informal language to indicate silence. A more colloquial way to express 'be quiet' is 'Taci!' Pronounce the word 'Tah-chee.' It’s from the verb 'tacere,' which means to go quiet. The word 'taci' has been decreasing in popularity, though.
- Sometimes people will shorten 'Stai zitto' to 'zitto.' 'Zitto’s' plural is 'ziti' and 'zitta' is feminine.
- Say 'Chiudi la bocca!' This phrase means 'shut your mouth.' Pronounce it kyoo-dee-LA-BOH-kah. Put the emphasis on the third and fourth syllables. This is considered an impolite way to say shut up because it literally means 'shut your trap.'
- Some dictionaries label it as vulgar language, defining it as 'shut your mouth' or 'shut your face.'
Expressing Quietness in a Polite Manner
Advise someone to maintain silence in a formal manner. For a more formal tone, you can say 'faccia silenzio' (be silent).
- 'Silenzioso!' Be quiet (SEE- lehn-tzee-oh-soh). Alternatively, you can say 'Silenzio!' Speak quickly if you want to sound Italian.
- 'Silenzioso' is a more polite version of the word and is usually uttered in a quieter fashion.
Correct Pronunciation of Italian Vocabulary
Refer to a pronunciation guide. Before attempting Italian words, familiarize yourself with Italian vowels and consonants' sounds. Various pronunciation guides are available online.
- Italian has only 7 vowel sounds. When encountering consecutive vowels, pronounce them separately. Certain vowel sounds may vary based on regional dialects.
- Most Italian words are phonetic, meaning they are pronounced as they are written.
- Most consonants sound similar to their English counterparts. Exceptions include the consonants 'c' and 'g,' whose pronunciation varies depending on the following letters. Pronounce double consonants more emphatically than single ones.
Speak with emotion. Italian is a highly expressive language. Gesture with your hands. Express your emotions freely and passionately.
- Emphasize Italian vowels crisply and briefly. Avoid prolonging them as in English; Italian vowels are more abrupt.
- Open your mouth widely to articulate expansive and rounded vowel sounds. For instance, pronounce the letter 'a' with a wide-open mouth, like saying 'aahh!'
Useful Tips
Important Warnings
- If necessary to request silence, opt for the more courteous option.
- Exercise caution when using the phrase 'shut up,' particularly in unfamiliar environments, as it may be perceived as impolite.
